OFS Board of Directors Launches Emergency Assistance Fund

We have some exciting news to share! The Orion Family Services Board of Directors has created the “Orion Family Services Emergency Assistance Fund”! This fund will provide grant money to Orion consumers and families experiencing financial emergencies or other barriers. Grants for up to $500 will be provided for things such as unexpected car repairs, clothing for job interviews, assistance with security deposits and so forth. This is an opportunity for us to help bridge the financial gap families so often face.

Laura Stalder, member of Orion’s Board of Directors, explained “Everyone, particularly right now, has a desire to help. You want to do something that will make a difference.” The Board designed this fund to do just that- make a difference. Ms. Stalder explained “We created a simple and fast process so that we can respond to urgent needs. This is a specific thing we can do to help someone get over a hurtle or barrier. We know that families are working hard, doing the best they can and then something hits- the unexpected that they can’t handle.”

Staff members will apply for the grant on behalf of their consumers experiencing the financial difficulty or barrier. Therapist Alicia Zenk explains: “Orion providing assistance through this fund will help families so much! Mental health and having your basic needs being met go hand-in-hand. When families are struggling to get their basic needs met it is difficult for them to focus on mental health needs; I feel this will be a huge relief for families that just need some extra help. Orion being able to support families when they need that extra support is so amazing. It’s going to help our families continue down the road of success.”

Orion has received the support of the Council for Health and Human Services Ministries (CHHSM), an organization which supports the work of United Church of Christ health and human service ministries. News of the fund was announced on CHHSM’s website to further support efforts to grow the fund:

If you are interested in making a difference by contributing to the Orion Family Services Emergency Assistance Fund or if you would like more information, please contact Stacey Parke at sparke@orionfamilyservices.org or call (608) 270-2511 extension 15.